Exploring Mġarr, Malta

Discover the charming village of Mġarr along Malta’s northwest coast, renowned for its agricultural heritage and lush landscapes, especially its renowned strawberries, celebrated annually at the Festa Frawli.

The charming town of Mġarr is tucked away along Malta’s serene northwest coast. The area is known for its expansive coastlines and lush vegetation, which span from Fomm ir-Riħ to Ġnejna Bay and the immaculate beaches of Għajn Tuffieħa. With a population of about 5,000, Mġarr has experienced significant growth over the last ten years, echoing the general trends in Maltese island development. Historically referred to as Mgiarro, Mġarr occupies a unique position in Malta’s Northern Region, its environment typified by lush vineyards and farmlands. Ancient ruins like Ta’ Ħaġrat and Ta’ Skorba, which provide insights into Mġarr’s early civilisation, are evidence of the village’s rich past and the patronage of prestigious Mdina patrician families.

Fomm ir-Riħ

Għajn Tuffieħa

Mġarr has had successions of ownership during its illustrious history, going from the Inguanez family to the Falsone family. The community has maintained its agricultural roots, with farming and winemaking acting as the cornerstones of its identity, even in the face of these changes. The natural appeal of Mġarr reaches beyond its boundaries to surrounding communities like as Wardija, Fomm ir-Riħ, and Ġnejna Bay, each with unique attractions for tourists to discover. The community’s skill and tenacity are demonstrated by the construction of its parish church at the beginning of the 20th century, which has one of the biggest domes in the world.

Along with its agricultural heritage, Mġarr has an extensive history of crop production, with wheat being the predominant crop throughout most of the 20th century. The village’s farming practices changed along with agricultural practices, moving towards the growing of fruits and vegetables via the utilisation of modern equipment including greenhouses and plastic tunnels. Mġarr has adhered to its customary crop rotation methods despite these developments, improving the soil with leguminous plants like beans and clovers. During the British colonial era, Mġarr saw the flourishing of vine farming, which aided Malta’s rapidly expanding wine industry.

In recent years, Mġarr has been known for its production of strawberries. Although the cultivation of strawberries in Malta has been practiced since before World War II, Mġarr rose to prominence in strawberry production due to the arrival of Italian cultivars in the 1970s. With the founding of the Mġarr Farmers’ Cooperative, the village’s standing as a premier producer of strawberries was further cemented, drawing tourists from all over to partake in the famed fruit at its yearly Festa Frawli. 

Strawberries from Mġarr are now openly marketed as a community product and are synonymous with excellence. Mġarr is unwavering in its dedication to protecting its distinctive traditions and unspoiled beauty even as it navigates the difficulties of modernity. The villagers are committed to preserving the customs and natural environments that characterise their community, even in the face of urbanization’s demands. Mġarr’s story is essentially one of adaptability and growth, moulded by its strong ties to agriculture and steadfast commitment to sustainability. Mġarr is a symbol of Maltese culture and heritage, beckoning travellers to enjoy its timeless beauty.

Strawberry Festival Held in April

Things to see and do in Mġarr

Ta’ Haġrat Temples

Encompassing two superbly conserved prehistoric structures that are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the ancient Ta’ Ġaġrat Temples are an important landmark in Mġarr. Ta’ Ħaġrat is home to two different megalithic temples. The region’s rich history is on display in the bigger temple, which dates to the Ggantija period (3600-3200 BCE), and the smaller temple, which dates to the Saflieni phase (3300-3000 BCE). Entrance to the Ħaġrat Temples is €3.50 for adults, and €2.50 for children aged 6-11.

Ta' Haġrat Temples

Skorba Temples

Situated within one km from the Ta’ Ħaġrat Temple site, Mġarr’s second prehistoric monument, the Skorba Temples, is another impressive megalithic temple. The finds discovered nearby are what really intrigue me about the Skorba Temples. Deposits from the oldest known human colonisation of Malta, about 4850 BC, point to the Neolithic era as the earliest period of human habitation in the Skorba region. The discoveries offer important new perspectives on Malta’s prehistoric history and illuminate its ancient past. Entrance to the Skorba Temples is €3.50 for adults, and €2.50 for children aged 6-11.

Skorba Temples

Indulge in a Maltese Fenkata

Savour a “Fenkata” for a traditional Maltese experience. Set aside your personal opinion on rabbits as a culinary dish, and this gastronomic journey will make you feel like a genuine Malteser. Serve a range of traditional Maltese appetisers, such as crunchy “galletti” crackers and delicious dips, to start your feast. Next, treat your palate to a substantial dish of spaghetti covered in luscious rabbit sauce, which makes the ideal introduction to the main course. Enjoy every bite of a juicy rabbit chunk that has been perfectly cooked and brimming with Maltese flavours.

Fenkata

Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, is a Roman Catholic parish church dedicated to Mary’s Assumption. Built between 1912 and 1946, it replaced an earlier church dating back to around 1400. The church boasts a notable large dome with an elliptical design, reportedly chosen for its resemblance to an egg to encourage residents to sell eggs for fundraising.

Initially established in 1400 and renovated in 1600, Mġarr’s church became a separate parish on 12 October, 1898, formerly part of Mosta’s parish. Parish Priest Girolamo Chetcuti spearheaded fundraising efforts, purchasing the land for the new church.

Fenkata

Construction commenced on 2 June, 1912, around the old church, which was later demolished in 1918. Numerous masons and master builders were involved in the project. Ġammri Camilleri drafted the initial plans and oversaw the sacristy’s roofing alongside builder Indri Deguara. Ċensu Galea managed the early stages of construction, while Ġiomaria Camilleri and Ġanni A. Cilia designed the dome, overseen by Camilleri.

Residents of Mġarr contributed labor and sold various items, including eggs, fruit, and livestock, to fund the church’s construction

 

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